Vietnam

Vietnam is very incredible. It is very different than any place we have been. Granted, they all differ very much, but Vietnam has something unique.
It is still very obvious that this is a war torn country. There is a lot of poverty. There are a lot of injured people; and millions of children. Seriously, more kids than any where else.
Every time I see some one who is of the 'American War' (or the Vietnam war as it is known in the U.S.) generation, I can't help but wonder what they saw. What they have gone through. Not only was the war between Vietnam and America entirely devestating, but there have been countless wars and battles here.
It is something quite different to see dozens of grave yards, all over the land, scattered. It makes me wonder, what is better though, having HUGE plots of land as a grave yard (like in the U.S.) or small plots where the deceased are probably near their families (or should it be the other way around)?

Traveling by bike has been really awesome. It is great to have the freedom to stop where we want, when we want, and to go as fast or slow as we feel like.
We are in the Mekong Delta region...near a city called Vinh Long, where I am writing from. We left Ho Chi Minh 2 days ago (thank Buddha!!!!!! :) That city is so crazy and intense...not our cup of tea. There are literally millions of motorbikes covering the roads.) and headed straight for the villages of the Mekong, avoiding the tourist spots. Last night and tonight we are in a village called An Binh, in a great, cozy bungalow of a wonderful and hospitable guest house. It is so quiet and peaceful. At night you can hear crickets (which always make me think of staying at my Mom's house), frogs, dogs barking in the distance, and boats quietly roaring down the Mekong (it's sorta eirie, they sound almost like helocoptars). We are going to head North tomorrow for the beaches of the central coast. Then we have to be back to Ho Chi Minh to return the bike and get our packs on the 6th. After that the plan is to train it to Hoi An, and further to Hanoi, where we will hopefully do some rock climbing in Halong Bay.
Then, just around the corner, is going back to the states. It is strange to know that very soon, I will be with all of the familiar things and people that made me, me. I am so excited to see family and friends and to share stories. But I am also going to miss the life of traveling, living fully in the moment, and living so simply. I will miss that the most, be surrounded by such simple ways of being. It's just not like that in the U.S.